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Meshcore

Introduction

MeshCore is an open-source mesh networking protocol and software platform designed for off-grid, low-power text communication using LoRa (Long Range) radio technology. The system enables decentralized, multi-hop wireless messaging without reliance on cellular networks or internet infrastructure.

Use cases include emergency and disaster communications, outdoor and remote activities, [...] and experimental and educational deployments of low-power mesh networking.

[It] is designed to [...] operate in unlicensed ISM frequency bands such as 868 MHz and 915 MHz, depending on regional regulations.

The basic idea is that you get a small companion device that you pair to your cell phone via bluetooth, and via that device, you can text others or post public messages using the 915 MHz band, all without a special license.

Getting Started: Companions

Get a companion device like:
- the Wio Tracker L1 Pro from seeed studio or from Robot Shop
- : add other options here
Flash the device with the latest Meshcore Firmware]].
Pair the device with your phone.
Turn off Auto-Add Contacts.

Install Instructions

On linux, you may have to add the dialout group to your user. To do that, type the following in the terminal replacing USER with your username and reboot your computer:
```
sudo usermod -a -G dialout USER
```
You should also use a Chromium based web browser.

If you already have Meshcore installed , download your current settings:

Open the MeshCore app (Android, iOS, Web App, NodeJS, Python)

Navigate to the Settings (the gear in the top right corner)
Scroll down to the Extra Tools section and select Export Config
Select All and click on the check mark in the top right corner to save the .json file to your phone.

Flash the Meshcore Firmware:

Connect the companion device to your computer via USB.
Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher (using a Chromium Browswer).
Select your device
Select Companion Bluetooth
Select Enter DFU Mode
Select Erase Flash
Select Flash

To re-load the config file:

Open the MeshCore App
Connect to the companion device, but it probably had a different bluetooth name now
The PIN might be listed on your companion's screen
Skip Setup
Navigate to the Settings (the gear in the top right corner)
Scroll down to the Extra Tools section and select Import Config
Click on Select File
Select the *.json file
Select All and click on the check mark in the top right corner.

See Scott Baker's article for more information.

Next Step: Repeaters

Install a repeater like the SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro from seeed studio or RobotShop
Use an antenna like this one, this one or one of these.

Install Instructions

If you already have Meshcore installed (but not the bootloader), download your current settings:

Go to https://config.meshcore.io/
Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
Click on Connect
Click on Export
Click on Disconnect
Locate the .json file (probably in your Downloads folder).

Download the bootloader:

Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher
Select your device
Select Repeater (or Room Server)
Click on Download
Select the *bootloader-x.x.x-OTAFIXx.x.uf2 file
Locate the .uf2 file (probably in your Downloads folder).

Copy the bootloader over to your device:

Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
Double click on the reset button.
Open the drive that just mounted on your computer
Copy the .uf2 file to the drive.
The drive may close on its own right away. This is normal.

Flash the Meshcore Firmware:

Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher
Select your device
Select Repeater (or Room Server)
Select Enter DFU Mode
Select Erase Flash
Select Flash

Re-upload your settings:

Select Configure via USB from the previous page, or navigate to https://config.meshcore.io/
Select Connect
Select Import
Select your .json file
Scroll down to the Access section and retype your New Admin password (it doesn't remember it)
Scroll down and select Save settings
Select Disconnect

Setup the Over the Air (OTA) update app (first time only):

Download the “nRF Device Firmware Update” app by “Nordic Semiconductor ASA” (Android, Apple)
Open the DFU app
In the settings, check Packet receipt notification

Perform an OTA update:

Using your phone's browser, navigate to https://meshcore.io/flasher
- Select your device
- Select Repeater (or Room Server)
- Select Download
- Select the firmware zip file (not the bootloader file)
Using the Meshcore app, login to your repeater (or room server) using the admin password.
- For Room Servers: go to Remote Management
- Go to the Command Line
- Type start ota, you should get a message that says: OK - mac: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
Open the DFU app
- Under File click Select to chose the firmware .zip file
- Under Device click Select and chose the device that has DFU in the name. If there are no device with DFU in the name select the device with OTA in the name.
- Under Progress click Start
- If you selected a device with OTA, the process will fail at DFU initialization. Not to worry, go back to the previous step and now you should be able to select a device with DFU in the name.

See Scott Baker's article for more information.

More Advanced: Sensors

Install sensors.

Maps

Repeater Project

Here's how to use MeshCore's Antenna Coverage tool to model line of sight coverage:

Navigate to the web version of the MeshCore App
You don't need to connect to an actual Meshcore device.
Click on \$\quad \vdots \quad \$ on the top right corner and then select Tools
Enter the Antenna Coverage tool
Where it says 0 Coverage Layers click on \$\quad \vdots \quad \$ and select Import JSON
Import this file

Tools

Resources

Official MeshCore Website and Github
Youtube Presentation by Liam Cottle
Scott Baker's Website
Vancouver Island Amateur Radio Discord Meshcore tips & Tricks NEW
Salish Mesh Website
Forum
MeshCore vs Meshtastic
Channels vs Rooms vs DMs

Sun Coast Amateur Radio Club Society - links:meshcore